Roman Scribe Writing on Wax Tablet

Roman Scribe Writing on Wax Tablet

Roman scribe writing on wax tablets. A scribe is a person who writes books or documents by hand in hieroglyphics, cuneiform or other scripts and may help keep track of records for priests and government. The profession, previously found in all literate cultures in some form, lost most of its importance and status with the advent of printing. The work could involve copying books, including sacred texts, or secretarial and administrative duties, such as taking of dictation and the keeping of business, judicial and, historical records for kings, nobles, temples, and cities. A wax tablet is a tablet made of wood and covered with a layer of wax, often linked loosely to a cover tablet, as a double-leaved diptych. It was used as a reusable and portable writing surface in Antiquity and throughout the Middle Ages.

Album / Science Source / New York Public Library

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2913 x 4217 px | 35.1 MB

24.7 x 35.7 cm | 9.7 x 14.1 in (300 dpi)